We've all heard the repeated advisories to wash our hands. It prevents disease transmission.

We're told, too, that we should always use soap and hot water. Forget the hot water.

It turns out, according to Vanderbilt University researchers, that hot water offers no more hygienic benefit than room-temperature water — and it's a lot worse for the environment.

"It's true that heat kills bacteria," said Amanda Carrico, a Vanderbilt research assistant professor. "However, the level of heat required to neutralize pathogens is beyond what is considered safe for prolonged human contact."

What's even worse is that the energy required to heat up all of that water substantially adds to annual greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers said that if Americans en masse used tepid instead of hot or warm water, they'd reduce gas emissions equivalent to the entire output of a nation like Barbados.

So dial back the temperature, but don't forget the soap, Dial or otherwise.

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

An adult human comprises approximately 7,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (7 octillion) atoms. It's estimated there are 8 octillion grains of sand in the Sahara Desert.

LIFE IN BIG MACS

One hour of making beds burns 68 calories (based on a 150-pound person), or the equivalent of 0.2 Big Macs.

COUNTS

43 — Percentage of Americans who saw a doctor between 2005 and 2009 for skin disorders

34 — For osteoarthritis and joint disorders

24 — For back problems

22 — For upper respiratory problems

22 — For cholesterol problems

20 — For anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder

20 — For chronic neurological disorders

18 — For high blood pressure

14 — For headaches or migraines

67 — Percentage of most prevalent diseases that are more common in women

Source: Reader's Digest

PHOBIA OF THE WEEK

Trypophobia — fear of holes

NEVER SAY DIET

The Major League Eating speed-eating record for tamales is 102 in 12 minutes, held by Joey Chestnut. Warning: Most of these records are held by professional eaters; the rest by people who really should find something better to do.

OBSERVATION

"My body is like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't think about it, I just have it." — Former California governor, actor and body builder Arnold Schwarzenegger

CURTAIN CALLS

The Boston Molasses Disaster of 1919 killed 21 people and injured 150 when a tank holding over 2 million gallons of molasses exploded. The blast sent a wave of the sweet goo through the city at a speed of up to 35 mph.

To find out more about Scott LaFee and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.